When it was time to introduce readers to the Glow - referenced on Page 13 - it was important for me to convey that this landscape is 'normal' to Native's characters. What better way than with a bit of self-pity? I promise Talis won't always be so sour.

Pages 14 and 15 form a 2 page spread. Click here to view the spread as a single image!

PAGE 14 (left half of 2pg spread)

Panel 1. Talis is lowering herself down via the pulley. The canvas patch she was working on is just one of many on a giant glowing pumpkin-like gourd, held in place by the harness which is tethered by ropes to rib-like structures on the ground. The gourd's vine curls down below like Jack's beanstalk. The sky beyond is a deep purple. Strange manta-like creatures 'swim' through the thin atmo above the gourd, looking for pests to munch.
TALIS (caption): Twenty-eight years, Mom, but I'm back where we started.